Grind Time: Zippy’s offers rail-inspired bento

Lots of restaurants have secret menus, but two Zippy’s restaurants on Oahu’s west side are the first I’ve heard of that offers a special bento inspired by the ongoing rail transit project.

COURTESY ZIPPY’S

Zippy’s is offering a special bento called the Rail Pac at two restaurants along Kamehameha Highway that have been affected by ongoing rail transit construction in the area.

Zippy’s Waimalu and Waiau are among a handful of locations affected by rail construction in the area, often making it difficult for customers to access the restaurants and find parking.

To combat this, Zippy’s came up with the Rail Pac — teriyaki hamburger, breaded shrimp, half of a teriyaki hot dog and a slice of Spam with fried noodles (can be substituted with white or brown rice). Price is $8.95 at the fast food counter, while dine-in customers pay $10.30.

And while Zippy’s doesn’t have a secret menu, the local chain has really stepped up the variety of its limited-time specials at dine-in restaurants. This summer, specials include an Asian Chicken Salad and Chili Lime Shrimp Salad, available through July 31 and Aug. 31, respectively.

Those with a sweet tooth who dine-in will want to try the Triple Chocolate Waffle, made with a double cocoa fudge brownie mixed into a Belgian waffle and topped with chocolate ice cream, chocolate syrup, whipped cream and crumbled cookies. It’s available through Aug. 31.

Napoleon’s Bakery is getting in on the action too, partnering with local popsicle makers OnoPops to offer a pair of limited-time flavors at Zippy’s McCully, Makiki, Vineyard, Waipahu, Ewa and Kaneohe locations.

The Hawaiian Vanilla Apple Napple OnoPop is pretty self-explanatory; take an Apple Napple, swirl it into some freshly made vanilla ice cream and make a popsicle out of it. Simple, yet so delicious!

The Waialua Chocolate Dobash Cake OnoPop follows the same steps, but switches out the Napple for Zippy’s popular chocolate dobash cake.

While Zippy’s hasn’t said how long the popsicles will be available, the company’s website notes they are on sale for “a limited time.”———
“Grind Time” is always looking for the latest places to get your grub on. Email Jason Genegabus with restaurant, bar or any other food/drink-related item at jason@staradvertiser.com and follow him on Twitter and Google+.